In a dramatic turn of events, former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski and his wife, Julie, have filed for bankruptcy, reportedly owing the U.S. government a staggering $15.5 million in unpaid taxes. The bankruptcy filing comes at a critical juncture, less than a day before a scheduled hearing in a civil case brought against the couple by the Department of Justice (DOJ) last summer.
The federal lawsuit alleges that the Romanowskis used their nutritional supplement company, Nutrition53, as a conduit to evade tax obligations. The couple is accused of using the company's funds to cover personal expenses, including rent for their 6,000-square-foot California home, groceries, veterinary bills, and over 170 visits to nail salons, hair salons, and day spas.
The bankruptcy filing provides the Romanowskis with a temporary respite, as it triggers an automatic halt in the DOJ's attempts to collect the alleged debt. However, this is only a temporary measure, and the couple will still have to face the charges brought against them.
Bill Romanowski, 58, is a well-known figure in the NFL, having played for the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and two other teams over 16 seasons. Known for his fiery and controversial on-field demeanor, Romanowski won four Super Bowl rings and recorded more than 1,000 career tackles. However, his career was not without controversy. He was frequently fined for dirty play and later admitted to using steroids during his playing career.
The DOJ alleges that the Romanowskis failed to pay millions in income tax in the years before and after Romanowski's retirement in 2003. The couple is accused of using funds from Nutrition53 to avoid reporting federal income and repaying those taxes. Nutrition53, which was also named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall.
The DOJ has since filed a motion for default judgment against the Romanowskis, asking a judge to rule immediately in the government's favor. A hearing on that motion was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The couple's attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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